A Turkish Profile

I've been in Istanbul for exactly one month. I've really enjoyed my time here so far. I'm living in Taksim the heart of European Istanbul. It's an extremely energetic area with a fabulous nightlife. I've been told by the Turks that it's the only part of Istanbul that never sleeps. I can certainly confirm that statement since my room is not very sound proof.One of the primary reasons I'm here

Time

God I've been here for over two months Two months How the time flies it doesn't feel like two monthsI think because the times have been so great. I can only excitedly await the 7ish remaining The time that's passed really hit me just tonight when Uygar Mustafa and I were working out the details of having some one replace Uygar once he leaves for his compulsory military service at the end o

Istanbul

Finally got to one of my original goals. If there are many spelliing errors....sorry unusual keyboard. Devil of time uploading photos from today so might finish blog about Istanbul when I return to England. First day run around getting to hotel going to touristy spots eating finding computer that I can use

House of the Virgin Mary

The experience of visiting the House of the Virgin Mary located about 7 kms from Selcuk proved to be a most peaceful one. This house is believed to have been the last home of Mary. She came here to escape the persecutions of the Jews. The house has been visited by Popes Paul VI John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Located close the harbour of Ephesus this house was the setting of the Third Ecumenica

Photos from the past

These are some more photos from over the past year of friends who have visited 304stanbul and places we went.

The most eastern country of the West and the most western country of the East

I read in the paper the other day that Turkey has offered to mediate the dialogue between the Obama administration and Tehran assuming it actually happens which I have some reservations about. This is so revealing of Turkey's political situation. What does Turkey have to gain from acting as mediator Turkey sees itself as the bridge between East and West as Erdogan's Turkey's PM governmen

Ephesus A Rediscovered City

15 of the old city of Ephesus has been restored thanks to the combined work of the Turkish and Australian Archeological Societies. Our tour leader Emory showed us the agora or marketplace marble streets Roman baths the Hadrian Temple the Celsus Library public toilets and a large theatre where St Paul of Tarsus spoke.